What to know about Malaysia SIM cards and eSIMs

Traveloka Team

25 Aug 2025 - 2 min read

Looking to navigate Malaysia like a pro? A local SIM card or eSIM will be super useful when it comes to navigation, ride-hailing apps, messaging, and any kind of hotspot tethering needs. While you can use public Wi-Fi, it can be unreliable or slow… and roaming with an Australian plan is usually more expensive.

Want to get speedy? Malaysia has wide 4G and growing 5G coverage, with several affordable prepaid options for tourists, plenty of which are on Traveloka.

Roaming vs getting a local SIM in Malaysia

Roaming on Australian plans typically costs AU$5–10 per day. While this can be worth it for a day or two of convenience, it quickly adds up on longer trips.

Meanwhile, Malaysian SIM cards can cost less than AU$10 for multi-week or month-long plans with several gigabytes of data. They also tend to offer faster speeds and more data. Unless your Aussie plan includes generous roaming, a Malaysian SIM or eSIM is usually better value.

Getting a SIM card or eSIM forMalaysia

Getting a SIM card is easy.

You can buy them at the airports including Kuala Lumpur and Penang. They’ll have stalls in the arrivals hall where you can buy and set up your phone plan in just minutes.

If you’re in a rush to leave, you’ll also be able to pick up a card at convenience stores or retail outlets. Providers like CelcomDigi, Maxis (Hotlink), U Mobile and Tune Talk offer prepaid SIMs, but you’ll need to show your passport when buying a physical SIM – it’s a legal requirement.

To have a completely smooth arrival, eSIMs for Malaysia can be purchased in advance online. We even over them here on Traveloka, with instant activation via QR code, and no ID required.

Buying a SIM card at the airport vs in advance

Airport SIM cards are convenient but pricier and are often sold by resellers. Expect to pay MYR 25–80 (AU$8–25) for a tourist SIM with 15–30 GB of data.

Local stores offer better value, with basic plans from MYR 10 (AU$3). Buying an eSIM in advance is often the most convenient and cost-effective option, as long as your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. Plans start from AU$8–15 for 5–10 GB, and can be activated instantly.

Which SIM card is best for tourists in Malaysia?

Airalo: eSIMs with anywhere from 1GB to unlimited data from AU$8–60. Easy install, data-only.

CelcomDigi Prepaid: Starts at AU$8 for 15 GB data + unlimited calls. Great national coverage, sold in apps, kiosks, and stores.

Hotlink by Maxis: Unlimited GB from AU$1.30 for one day. Fast and reliable in cities.

U Mobile: Unlimited data from AU$8. Great value, best in urban areas.

(All prices are correct as of mid-2025.)

eSIM vs physical SIM cards in Malaysia

Still deciding between a SIM and an eSIM? Here’s a quick rundown:

eSIMs are installed digitally via QR code.

Pros: Fast setup, nothing to lose, can buy in advance.

Cons: Often data-only, needs a compatible device.

Physical SIMs usually include calls, texts, and data.

Pros: Full service, available everywhere.

Cons: Need to find a store, may require manual setup, can be lost or damaged.

How much is an eSIM in Malaysia?

eSIMs start around AU$8 for 5–10 GB (via providers like Airalo), and go up to AU$60 for unlimited data. Hotlink’s 1-day unlimited data eSIM is just AU$1.30. Traveloka offers Malaysian eSIMs from multiple brands, and sometimes includes free eSIMs with flight or hotel bookings.